WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: Tether Aiming for $500 Billion Valuation

Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This brisk episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing offers a concise snapshot of major tech and business developments. Topics include Tether’s ambitious funding and valuation plans, NASA’s upcoming Artemis 2 lunar mission, and the day’s movement across global tech stocks.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Tether’s Bid for Massive Valuation

• Main Story:

  • Tether, a leading crypto company and operator of the world’s largest stablecoin, is seeking a $500 billion valuation.
  • The company is reportedly in talks to raise up to $20 billion in equity for approximately a 3% stake.
  • Notably, Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald is advising lead investors and is itself involved as an investor.
  • Official comment: A spokesperson for Cantor Fitzgerald declined to comment on the matter.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Crypto giant Tether is seeking a $500 billion valuation. That’s according to Bloomberg and the Financial Times.”
    (Julie Chang, 00:29)

2. NASA’s Artemis 2 Moon Mission Plans

• Announcement Highlights:

  • NASA plans to send astronauts on a lunar flyby no earlier than February, and no later than April.
  • The Artemis 2 mission involves a four-person crew orbiting the moon after a four-day journey.
  • This mission reflects renewed U.S. ambitions to return to the moon and is set against growing competition with China, which has announced its own lunar plans for later this decade.
  • The Artemis program has experienced multiple delays, creating anticipation and pressure.

• Memorable Moment & Quote:

  • Commander Reid Wiseman shares optimism, reflecting the program's challenges and perseverance:
    • “It has been an amazing journey the last two and a half years and we really see the light at the—”
      (Commander Reid Wiseman, 01:27)
    • Julie Chang adds: “NASA hasn’t taken crews to the lunar surface since 1972. This comes at a time when China has been advancing its own lunar effort...” (01:32)

3. Tech Stocks: Winners, Losers, and Market Sentiments

• Market Recap:

  • The Nasdaq fell by 0.5%, marking the second straight day of declines.
  • The “Magnificent Seven” stocks were “flat to lower,” except Tesla, which was “up a couple of percentage points.”
  • Investor anxieties focus on the high costs of artificial intelligence, which may be weighing on big tech valuations.
  • By contrast, Chinese tech stocks led gains, buoyed by Alibaba’s increased AI investments and release of a new model.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Some investors worry that the hefty price tag of artificial intelligence could continue to weigh on stocks. On the flip side, Chinese tech stocks fared better as Alibaba upsized its pledge to spend on AI and released a new model.”
    (Julie Chang, 01:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tether Valuation & Funding: 00:29 – 01:00
• NASA Artemis 2, U.S.-China Lunar Competition: 01:00 – 01:32
• Market Update: US & Chinese Tech Stocks, AI Concerns: 01:32 – 01:58

Episode Highlights & Tone

• The tone is fast-paced and factual, delivering key tech business news with clarity and brevity.
• Most memorable is the massive scale of Tether’s ambitions, the sense of momentum (and nostalgia) in NASA’s lunar goals, and a clear-eyed look at the volatility and stakes in the tech market.

Summary

This episode provides a crisp, essential roundup for tech-interested audiences: Tether’s eye-popping fundraising drives crypto headlines; NASA’s lunar return signals a new space race; and AI’s high price continues to sway investor sentiment, with Chinese tech showing relative strength.